A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. Yellowstone National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a unique, stunning, and breathtaking national park. The famous beauty of Yellowstone National Park is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Yellowstone National Park travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yellowstone National Park. Although Portland, Maine and Yellowstone National Park are popular destinations, Yellowstone National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yellowstone National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. It is also well known for Old Faithful. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Portland, Maine different from Yellowstone National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yellowstone National Park and Portland, Maine. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Portland, Maine area. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Yellowstone National Park Things quiet down quickly at night and you won't find many places to go in the evening.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

Yellowstone National Park is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Yellowstone National Park is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is well known for the beach. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a beach destination.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Yellowstone National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

Yellowstone National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park More Beautiful?

Yellowstone National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Yellowstone National Park is one of the main draws. With its spectacular geysers, colorful springs, and unique wildlife, the park really is a beautiful place to visit.

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

Yellowstone National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Yellowstone National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park Better for Couples?

Yellowstone National Park is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Yellowstone National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yellowstone National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yellowstone National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Is Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable coastal town. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting? and Is Yellowstone National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yellowstone National Park or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park?

Both Portland, Maine and Yellowstone National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, Maine, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

Families should spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than Portland, Maine. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Yellowstone National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

One day in Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic coastal town of Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The vast destination of Yellowstone National Park offers . People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

The national park of Yellowstone National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park?

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Yellowstone National Park is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This national park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Portland, Maine or Yellowstone National Park?

Portland, Maine is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The stunning national park of Yellowstone National Park offers . You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland, Maine and Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Portland, Maine is more expensive. And not only is Yellowstone National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yellowstone National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yellowstone National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine than you might in Yellowstone National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portland, Maine Expensive? and Is Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.